Not Lean but there are olives!

Tom, my collogue got me a gift card to Total Wine & Spirit so what better than a Gin Kit! Yes...a perfect dry...but modern martini or a G&T with the best tonic...Fever Tree (introduced to me my my dear friends in Tokyo, Carl & Jeanette.

Not lean but so so so needed...and no carbs :)

Now after a joyful hour in the gin aisle pondering my options. I went with my favorite Scottish gin, Hendrick's and an American newcomer Aviation. Both flavor forward with tons of botanicals, not too much juniper and both great for cocktails. I prefer the Aviation for G&T and the Hendrick's for an awesome martini with 3 olives!

The Vermouth MAKES A DIFFERENCE! I love my old stand by Noilly Pratt, it's safe, consistent and makes a hell of a dry martini. Noilly goes great with her British counterpart...the British Dry Gin. I was in the mood for something a bit more flavor forward so I went with the Dolin. It has a great balance and it mellows the juniper flavors.

My first job while I was a student was a bartender at the Hyatt Regency Jerusalem and boy did i make a lot of martinis!!!!

For my perfect martini...

2.5 oz of GREAT gin (I use Henderick's)

0.5 oz of Vermouth (Dolin dry)

3 stuffed olives on a pick

1. Use a cocktail shaker (or a vase) and fill with about 10 ice cubes

2. Add the gin and the vermouth and using a bar spoon (or a chop stick in my case) stir about 10 to 12 times...DO NOT OVER-STIR

3. Pour into a good martini glass (I personally do not like mine chilled) and garnish with the olives.

4. Relax, lounge and enjoy...have another as well...there are no carbs!